vintage mercs

[nwcove]

are the older mercs......from the mid 50's, to 1970 easy to work on, easy to get parts for? ( the smaller motors....20 hp and under)

 

[JimS123]

Re: vintage mercs

Short answer - no and no!

Long answer - if you are willing to scrounge you can get parts for most anything. If you want a reliable motor to use with parts availability and ease of repair, buy a JohnnyRude. If you are a Merc collector and don't mind the hassle, go for it.

Truth is that there is a real following for the older Mercs, thus the prices are higher and the availability lower.

 

[nwcove]

Re: vintage mercs

i am an omc guy, but have been coming across alot of old mercs, some look nice, but i think i will heed jims advice, and leave the mercs for the merc guys!! (......unless a real gem shows up! )

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: vintage mercs

I happen to be a fan of the older mercs, such as the Mark 30's, 25's and such. Back when Carl was involved in the company, they were great engines. I don't own any now, but I have owned a few in the past. It does take quite a few special tools to go through the lower units on these, but I made a few, to rebuild the bottom end on an old Mark 25 and I have a water pump cap removal tool that I built too. Interesting old motors, but if you want an oldie that is practical and easy to work on, I would stick with the OMC's

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: vintage mercs

If you're willing to learn on a slow curve - old Mercs aren't all that bad. Lots of little nuances to pick up on, some special tools to acquire/make, and manuals are more of a requirement than a suggestion. But, the end result can be very gratifying. I get a much bigger kick out of firing up one of my old green tanker Mercs than I do a similar vintage Johnrude.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: vintage mercs

I was a dyed in the wool OMC guy all my life until I found one of those gem Mercs-- a 1972 Merc 200 (20 hp) for my old whaler. When it ran it was a firecracker.

The longer I've had it, the more I am a confirmed OMC guy. The merc is a pain! Looks cool, though